Yes we are back online. actually took less time that I first thought. But I did go over all the actual links, the new calendar, pretty much all of it.
With that said, if you see something not working properly, just send me an email. and I will fix the problem as soon as I can. after 5 hours a day spent on this site. I need a nice break from computers, for a spell. But if a problem, email: ohrvcamper@gmail.com is where to send your info.
For those who wish to understand a little more about meshtastic, I went around, and gatherd information, formatted it, then presented it for you
Meshtastic is an open-source project that leverages LoRa, a long-range radio protocol that is widely available in most regions and does not require additional licenses or certifications, unlike HAM radio. Utilizing inexpensive LoRa radios, Meshtastic provides a FREE, long-range, off-grid communication solution for areas without reliable or existing communication infrastructure.
In a simpler way, Meshtastic is a free and easy-to-use tool that lets you send messages without internet or mobile networks. It connects small, specialized devices to create a network where you can communicate over long distances, making it perfect for outdoor adventures, emergencies, or communication in remote areas. You can share short text messages, GPS locations, and even voice messages (coming soon) with others. It’s easy to set up, works on various devices, and has a supportive community if you need help.
What Can Meshtastic Do?
In today’s tech-focused world, it’s hard to picture a day without a steady network connection. But if you’ve ever gone hiking in a remote area and lost signal, or attended a big event where the network was too crowded to use, you know the struggle. During natural disasters like typhoons or floods, communication networks might fail, making it tough to call for help or connect with loved ones. I hope you don’t face these challenges, but it’s worth thinking about potential solutions if you do. What would you want to have in place? This is where Meshtastic comes into play, offering a potential Plan A for those rare yet crucial instances: an emergency response solution.
Why Meshtastic?
There are also many other options, such as the more well-known LoRa-based solutions like LoRaWAN® and Sidewalk, or the commonly used 4G/5G, and even Starlink developed by SpaceX. So, why Meshtastic?
Differences Between LoRaWAN®, Sidewalk, and Meshtastic
As shown below, I have listed the biggest differences between the three. Meshtastic is decentralized and doesn’t require gateways, making it better suited for flexible, independent, peer-to-peer communication scenarios, while LoRaWAN®is ideal for large-scale, centrally managed IoT applications. Amazon Sidewalk, is designed to extend the connectivity range of smart home devices using low-power, community-based networking.
Differences Between 4G/5G and Meshtastic
Most of us rely on 4G/5G networks in our daily lives, so how does Meshtastic compare to them? The main differences are outlined below. Simply put, Meshtastic is ideal for situations where there is no cellular signal, no infrastructure, or limited power availability, such as outdoor activities, survival scenarios, or rescue operations. On the other hand, cellular network coverage is primarily concentrated in areas with high levels of human activity, such as cities and urban regions.
Differences Between Starlink and Meshtastic
Starlink and Meshtastic are two different communication solutions, each with its own strengths. Starlink is ideal for those who need constant online connectivity and high-speed internet access, even in remote areas. However, if you need a more affordable, portable solution for offline communication, especially when power and infrastructure are limited, Meshtastic is the better choice. Last but not least, Meshtastic is free to use—once you purchase a compatible device, you can start enjoying the free mesh network with your friends!
Meshtastic Limitations
Text messages only at the moment: Meshtastic uses LoRa, which focuses on long-range and low power. This limits bandwidth, so it can only send text—no images, videos, or large files. Short messages: You can only send messages with 228 characters or fewer due to LoRa’s packet size limit, which isn’t enough for detailed or complex information.
For those new to Meshtastic, a common question is how to select the right product from the wide range of Meshtastic-compatible options, which include everything from development boards to ready-to-use devices. In the following, I will share some of the most popular Meshtastic devices with you.
Search and Rescue
When disasters strike and signal or power infrastructure fails, Meshtastic can be a vital tool for emergency response, supporting search and rescue operations. A Meshtastic tracker, capable of precisely identifying the location of those in distress and maintaining communication with them, is an excellent choice for equipping rescue teams or ensuring everyday emergency preparedness.
For decades, the 1.25-meter band (222–225 MHz) has been called “the forgotten band.” It sits quietly between the 2 meter and 70 centimeter bands, offering clear frequencies and excellent propagation with remarkably low noise. Most hams rarely use this band—but that may be about to change. In the late 1980s, the FCC reallocated part of the 220 MHz spectrum (220–222 MHz) to commercial users (UPS mostly, who never even developed the radio network to use it), leaving amateurs with only 3 MHz of space.
Manufacturers pulled back, equipment options dried up, and the band slowly faded from daily use. For years, only a handful of repeaters and operators remained active on 222 MHz. Yet 222 MHz is one of the most enjoyable corners of the VHF spectrum. Its signals travel farther than 70cm but are less affected by urban noise than 2m—the best of both worlds. Antennas are compact, easy to build, and with so few users, open frequencies are plentiful for experiments or simplex rag-chews.
Some repeater networks rely on the band for control links, and it’s an excellent platform for digital work like packet, APRS, or newer modes such as M17. Another reason the band has stayed under the radar is geography. The 1.25-meter allocation is primarily available only to amateurs in ITU Region 2—the Americas—while most countries in Europe and Asia lack access. Japan, for example, reserves nearby frequencies for other services.
With much of the amateur world outside the band, major manufacturers have had little incentive to design gear for it, which explains the long scarcity of dedicated 222-MHz rigs.
That’s why Kenwood’s return to the band in 2025 is turning heads. The TM-D750A Digital Tri-Band Mobile Transceiver covers 144/222/440 MHz and brings modern APRS and digital features with full-power operation on all three bands. It’s the first major production radio in years from a top-tier manufacturer to include 222 MHz support—a welcome sign that the industry is paying attention again.
The D750A arrives at just the right time. Many new handhelds and mobile DMR rigs, such as the AnyTone 578UVIII, already include 222 MHz capability. Repeater groups across the country are reactivating systems, breathing new life into a long-neglected band. The beauty of 222 MHz is that it’s clean, quiet, and wide open—an ideal VHF sandbox for experimentation.
Loading...
Reload document 
Open in new tab